The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, accompanied by the Chief/HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, and in the presence of the Commanding General of the Hellenic First Army/EU-OHQ, “ACHILLES”, Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, and the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace, Lieutenant General Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, today, 24 December 2025, with the opportunity of the celebrations of Christmas and New Year, visited the 316 Technical Area Workshop, in Toxotes, Xanthi, and the Headquarters of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace.
During his visit to the 316 Technical Area Workshop, Mr. Dendias listened to traditional Christmas carols from Thrace and Corfu by the band of the Sustainment Brigade, while he had the opportunity to tour the grounds of the Workshop, discuss and exchange wishes with officers and conscripts.
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Detachment will shortly be completed at the 316 Technical Area Workshop in Xanthi, reinforcing considerably the Army’s operational capabilities. The Detachment has the Capability of manufacturing UAVs, by constructing components through 3D printing, as well as assembling and completing the connection of their electronic and electro-mechanic systems. Meanwhile, they have the capability of instantly repairing the electronic and mechanic subsystems of the UAVs, inspecting and controlling assets to be utilised by the Units and personnel of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace. The Detachment also supports the installation and configuration of UAV software, adapted to each mission’s requirements, while there is the capability of providing specialised training to the personnel operating them.
Furthermore, the 316 Technical Area Workshop has a Mobile UAV Repair Workshop, which is an autonomous and fully operational mobile unit which repairs, sets up, and trial tests UAVs in situ. It is a system of Greek design and manufacture, equivalent to that belonging to the 306 Telecommunications Base Factory, which is capable of moving and deploying at advanced positions of the theatre of operations of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace. It is energy independent, and provides the capability of manufacturing spare parts and components directly on the field of operations.
Mr. Dendias, following the completion of the visit, stated:
Many happy returns!
Today, on Christmas Eve, I chose to be here, in Xanthi, at the 316 Technical Area Workshop for two reasons. The first is the usual one. Every year, on this day, the Minister of National Defence visits Units, wishes a Merry Christmas to the personnel, since it is his constitutional obligation to thank the personnel for the services they have rendered the Country. To wish them and their families all the best.
On the other hand, there is a symbolism – the second reason I am here. Here, at 316, we are creating the second Drone Production Unit, of category 1 First-Person View, in our country. A second Unit capable of manufacturing 1,000 drones a month, and give our Country’s Armed Forces the capabilities required in the new era. It is a step, an important step forward.
And of course, the fact remains, we are in Thrace. An area of great geopolitical importance. An area which constitutes the border of Greece and Europe. A very important area for us.
Many happy returns. Merry Christmas to all!”
Subsequently, the minister of National Defence visited the headquarters of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace. In the presence of the Mayor of Xanthi Stratos Kontos, the Supreme Military Command of Thrace’s Band sang Mr. Dendias the Christmas Carols. Afterwards, the Minister exchanged Christmas wishes with the personnel of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace.
In the framework of the visit, Mr. Dendias visited the Holy Metropolis of Xanthi and Peritheorion, where he met his Eminence the Metropolitan, Mr. Panteleimon, with whom he exchanged Christmas and New Year wishes.
